Atomization system for odor and environmental control in livestock holding areas

ABSTRACT

An atomization system for odor control in a livestock storage facility includes a reservoir capable of holding a sufficient quantity of an odor control product; a pump in communication with the reservoir; a circulation loop running throughout the livestock storage facility and communicating with the pump and the reservoir; and a plurality of atomization nozzles connected with the circulation loop for distribution of the odor control product onto surfaces of the storage facility and the livestock. The odor control product contains a mixture of vegetable oil, a natural acidic compound, alcohol, and water. Advantageously, the acidic compound in the odor control product is vinegar or concentrated citrus juice. A water supply line is also connected to the circulation loop through a water pump to provide a cooling mist throughout the facility.

CROSS-REFERENCES

[0001] This application claims the priority of co-pending provisionalapplication Serial No. 60/354,677, filed Feb. 5, 2002.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates generally to raising livestock and,more particularly, to a system for minimizing the effects of odor andbacteria emanating from livestock waste on the surfaces of a livestockholding area and for reducing the temperature of the holding area.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Over the past decades there has been a shift from smallerlocalized family farms toward larger integrated confinement agriculturaloperations. Large agricultural operations typically utilize confinementbarns to house a large number of livestock, such as swine. It is notuncommon for hog-confinement operations to be grouped in closeproximity, forming “mega-farms” which may house tens of thousands ofhogs. While these larger agricultural operations have numerousadvantages, they also encounter significant pollution problems arisingfrom the handling and treatment of manure and wastewater. Pollutionproblems associated with animal waste include nitrogen, phosphorus,solids, bacteria and foul odors that result from bacterial digestion.

[0004] Environmental concerns more specifically center on odor and waterquality issues. Noxious gasses including ammonia, methane, hydrogensulfide, fatty acids, and indoles may be emitted within the animalstorage facilities. Odors emanating from confinement houses create anuisance. In addition, the noxious gasses produced by animal wastecreate a potentially hazardous environment for humans working in animalstorage facilities and the animals housed in such facilities.

[0005] The animal waste produced in these storage facilities cangenerally be separated into two categories: waste deposited by theanimals directly into waste storage areas and waste deposited outside ofthe waste storage area onto other surfaces of the storage facility.While a few methods of addressing the odor caused by waste depositeddirectly into waste storage areas are known, the problem of controllingthe odor and bacteria emanating from waste deposited onto the othersurfaces of animal storage facilities has not been sufficientlyaddressed. Even in facilities where the waste storage areas areadequately treated in some manner to prevent the emission of noxiousgasses, the waste remaining on the surfaces of the facility can besufficient to produce an amount of noxious gasses and bacteria that isharmful to both livestock and humans.

[0006] Another air quality issue in animal storage facilities relates tothe temperature of the air in the facilities. Livestock holdingfacilities are frequently subject to dangerously high temperature levelsduring warm weather months. These high temperatures adversely affect thehealth and comfort of the livestock in the facility, thereby impactingtheir growth. Controlling the temperatures in these facilities in aneconomical manner has proved to be a consistent dilemma over the years.

[0007] The present invention is directed to overcoming one or more ofthe problems set forth above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] An aspect of the present invention is to provide a system totreat the surface areas of an animal storage facility or holding areathat may accumulate animal waste and thereby minimize the emission ofodors and bacteria from the waste until it can be removed from thefacility.

[0009] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a system toenhance the overall environment of the storage facility and the generalcomfort and health of the livestock in the facility.

[0010] In accordance with the above aspects of the invention, there isprovided an atomization system for odor control in a livestock storagefacility that includes a reservoir capable of holding a sufficientquantity of an odor control product; a pump in communication with thereservoir; a circulation loop running throughout the livestock storagefacility and communicating with the pump and the reservoir; and aplurality of atomization nozzles connected with the circulation loop fordistribution of the odor control product onto surfaces of the storagefacility and the livestock. The odor control product contains a mixtureof vegetable oil, a natural acidic compound, alcohol, and water. Thenatural acidic compound is advantageously vinegar or concentrated citrusjuice.

[0011] In another embodiment, a water supply line is also connected withthe circulation loop through a water pump to provide a cooling mistthroughout the facility.

[0012] These aspects are merely illustrative of the innumerable aspectsassociated with the present invention and should not be deemed aslimiting in any manner. These and other aspects, features and advantagesof the present invention will become apparent from the followingdetailed description when taken in conjunction with the referenceddrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Reference is now made to the drawings which illustrate the bestknown mode of carrying out the invention and wherein the same referencenumerals indicate the same or similar parts throughout the severalviews.

[0014]FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an atomization system accordingto an embodiment of the present invention.

[0015]FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an atomization systemincorporating a bypass loop according to another embodiment.

[0016]FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an atomization systemincorporating a cooling system according to another embodiment.

[0017]FIG. 4 is a control diagram of a computer controlled atomizationsystem usable with the embodiment of FIG. 3.

[0018]FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a controller usable with theembodiments of FIGS. 1-3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] A system embodying the present invention treats an animal storagefacility 10 to minimize the emission of noxious gasses and bacteria fromanimal waste deposited onto the surfaces of the facility. It has beenfound that atomizing a layer of oil over waste deposited onto surfacesreduces the level of ammonia (NH₃). In one test performed on wastecollected from a swine production farm, an air sample was taken in apreviously “clean” environment in which the waste had been placed. Theair sample was drawn with a syringe and test tube, and the level ofammonia was recorded. A level of 7.5 ppm was found in the initialsample. After the initial sampling, a spray bottle was used to atomize afine mist of vegetable oil over the waste. A second air sample wastaken, resulting in a reading of 0 ppm of ammonia. A second test wasperformed in a swine holding area in which the waste storage pit hadalready been sufficiently treated to minimize the emission of gasses andodors directly from the pit. An initial air sample taken from the arearesulted in a reading of 5 ppm of ammonia. A portable pump sprayer wasthen used to spray a mixture of vegetable oil and ethanol alcohol overthe surfaces of the holding area. A second air sample resulted in areading of 0 ppm of ammonia.

[0020] An odor control product in an embodiment of the atomizationsystem is a mixture of vegetable oil, a natural acidic compound,alcohol, and water. In a preferred embodiment of the system, thefollowing percentages of the four ingredients are used to formulate theodor control product: Vegetable Oil approximately 43.5% Waterapproximately 43.5% Alcohol approximately 9% Natural Acidic Compoundapproximately 4%

[0021] These percentages are approximate and reasonable variationstherefrom are acceptable. Particularly good results have been achievedusing a formula of 43.478% vegetable oil, 43.478% water, 8.696% alcohol,and 4.348% natural acidic compound.

[0022] As described above, vegetable oil provides a seal over thesurface waste to minimize gasses emanating from the waste. The vegetableoil also serves to reduce dandruff and feed dust suspended in the airwithin a storage facility. The vegetable oil, in addition to its otherroles, serves as a barrier between the animals and the alcohol. In apreferred embodiment of the system, the odor control product utilizescorn oil. The natural acidic compound in the odor control product reactswith ammonia present in the air of the facility in an acid-basereaction, thereby reducing the level of ammonia in the air. In thepreferred embodiment of the atomization system, the natural acidiccompound used in the odor control product is concentrated citrus juice,and advantageously, concentrated lemon juice. In an alternateembodiment, vinegar is used in place of concentrated citrus juice. Thealcohol serves both as a disinfectant by destroying bacteria in the airand on the surfaces of the facility and as an antifreeze to prevent theproduct from freezing in the system. In the preferred embodiment of theatomization system, ethanol alcohol is used. Water is added to theproduct to further dilute the vegetable oil, decreasing the oil'sviscosity and aiding atomization of the product. In the preferredembodiment, distilled water is used in the odor control product. In aparticularly advantageous embodiment, the odor control product isblended and then passed through a filter which removes particles largerthan one micron (1μ) in size. This minimizes the occurrence of cloggednozzles in the atomization system described below.

[0023]FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of the atomization system. Theatomization equipment includes a reservoir or tank 10 to store the odorcontrol product. The reservoir 10 is connected with a pump 14 by aconnecting line 12. A circulation loop 16 extends throughout thefacility. The inlet end of the circulation loop 16 is connected with theoutlet of the pump 14, while the outlet end of the circulation loop 16is connected with the reservoir 10. In a preferred embodiment, thereservoir 10, pump 14, connecting line 12 and circulation loop 16 arearranged in a closed loop to prevent dust particles or other foreignmatter from contaminating the odor control product. A plurality ofatomization nozzles 18 are connected with the circulation loop 16 anddirected at the various areas and surfaces within the facility.Advantageously, the atomization nozzles are spaced approximately 10 feetapart.

[0024] Advantageously, the pump 14 is capable of generating 250 psi andis manufactured from stainless steel. In this embodiment, the pump ispowered by a 2 hp, single or three-phase motor and is rated for 590gallons per hour at 260 psi continuous output of flow. Furthermore, thepump 14 is mounted as close as possible to the tank 10. In anotherembodiment, the connecting line 12 is equipped with a flow sensor 20 todetect when the flow of odor control product from the reservoir 10slows, indicating a low level of remaining product. In anotherembodiment, this same function is served by a level sensor 22 in thereservoir 10. In yet another embodiment, an oil filter 24 is connectedto the discharge side of the pump 14 to remove any particles that couldplug the atomization nozzles 18. However, the oil filter 24 is notrequired if the odor control product has been filtered after blending asdescribed above.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the pump 14 is capable of generatingpressures in the range of 180 psi to 250 psi. Application of the odorcontrol product under pressure in this range results in superior odorand dust control within the livestock holding facility. It is theorizedthat applying the odor control product through the atomization system atthese pressures induces an electrostatic charge on the particles of theodor control product as the product is atomized. The electrostaticcharge is possibly induced as a result of the friction of caused by theflow of the oil in the product through the circulation loop andatomization nozzles and the pressure build-up experienced at thenozzles. The induction of an electrostatic charge in the system isparticularly pronounced when the circulation loop is constructed from aplastic-based piping system, for example, a Schedule 80 PVC pipe. It isalso possible that the electrostatic charge occurs as a result ofacceleration of the particles of the product in accord with principlesof electro-gas dynamics. This electrostatic charge in the particles ofthe odor control product attracts dust particles present in the air ofthe livestock storage facility, thereby clearing the air of these dustparticles.

[0026] In FIG. 2, a bypass loop is included in the system. An actuatedball valve 26 is inserted in the circulation loop 16 before itsconnection with the reservoir 10. A bypass line 28 extends from an areaof the circulation loop 16 prior to the actuated ball valve 26 to anarea of the circulation loop 16 coming out of the pump outlet. A checkvalve 30 is inserted into the bypass line 28 to prevent backflow of theodor control product.

[0027] In operation, the actuated ball valve 26 is closed to separatethe circulation loop 16 from the reservoir 10 immediately after a mixingperiod. While mixing periods are adjustable, a four minute mixing periodprior to atomization allows the components of the odor control productto become fully suspended. The bypass loop reduces line pressure duringmixing periods immediately preceding atomization. While the ball valve26 is closing, the pump 14 is shut down. Once the ball valve 26 isclosed, the pump 14 is reactivated to atomize the odor control product.In a preferred application of the system, the odor control product isatomized for a period of approximately 35-40 seconds. After atomization,the pump 14 is shut down once more. The ball valve 26 then reopens andany surplus odor control product is returned to the reservoir 10.

[0028] In hog facilities, the atomization system is usually operatedonce every 24 hours. The preferred time of day for application isapproximately 3:00 a.m. The air movement in the facility is generallycalmest at this time, resulting in reduced drift of the odor controlproduct out of the facility. In poultry facilities, more frequentatomization is appropriate. A preferred atomization schedule for poultrywould be four applications lasting approximately 15 seconds each.

[0029] Advantageously, the above-described operation is automatedthrough a controller 62 associated with the atomization system asillustrated in FIG. 5. The controller includes a counter 64, whichcounts the number of times the atomization system has been activated ina 24 hour period, a 24-hour timer 66, a motor relay 68 which controlsoperation of the pump 14, a power relay 70 which is controlled by theflow sensor 20 or level sensor 22, an on-delay relay 72 which delays theactivation of the pump 14, an off-delay relay 74 which allows fiveminutes of operation of the system after the liquid level in thereservoir 10 drops sufficiently to trigger the flow sensor 20 or levelsensor 22, a mixing valve relay 76 which opens valve 26 to allow mixingof the odor control product prior to atomization, an atomizing valverelay 78 which closes valve 26 to allow the odor control product to flowthrough the circulation loop and be atomized, a drain valve relay 80which reopens valve 26 to allow any odor control product remaining inthe circulation loop to drain back to the reservoir 10, and a closevalve relay 82 to close valve 26 at the end of the cycle.

[0030]FIG. 3 illustrates a cooling system that is also incorporated intothe atomization system. A water supply line 32 is connected with thecirculation loop 16. A back flow preventer 34 is installed in the watersupply line 32. At least one water filter 36 and a float assembly 38 areinstalled in the water supply line 32. If the float assembly 38 is notactivated by water pressure, the system shuts down. The water supplyline 32 is then connected to the inlet of a water pump 40. The waterpump 40 is preferably a ¾ hp carbonator brass pump capable of generating250 psi. The outlet of the water pump 40 is then connected to thecirculation loop 16.

[0031] To minimize drips in the system, a dump valve 42 is installedinto the circulation loop 16, which allows all water pressure to bedischarged at the end of an atomization period.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment of the cooling system, a computer 48controls the operation of the water pump 40, as shown in FIG. 4. Thecomputer 48 also controls a number of fans 50 located in the facility.The atomization cooling system provides a cooling mist to the livestockhoused in the facility while maintaining a dry floor in the facility.The fans 50 incorporated into the system encourage evaporation, therebyfurther cooling the livestock. The computer 48 automatically adjusts thelevel of cooling provided by the fans 50 or atomization cooling system.The lower cooling levels depend on the different speeds of the fans 50for cooling. The higher cooling levels incorporate the atomizationcooling system. When utilizing the atomization cooling system, thecomputer 48 controls the system by cycling the water pump 40 on and off.The length of the cooling period during which the water pump 40 isoperated is adjustable.

[0033] In another embodiment of the cooling system, a pressure sensor 52is incorporated into the circulation loop 16. If the sensor 52 indicatesa lack of water pressure when the computer 48 attempts to turn on thecooling system, a back-up sprinkler system (shown generally as 54),which is operated with normal water pressure, is activated, therebyensuring that the livestock housed in the facility are kept cool. Athermostat 56 incorporated into the back-up system 54 shuts that systemdown should the temperature in the facility reach the desired norm.

[0034] In the event of a power failure, the system will reset itself. Analarm 58 is also incorporated into the system that is activated for thefollowing conditions: no water, no water pressure in the circulationloop, or no electrical power. If an operator does not respond to thealarm 58 within a specified period of time, the system automaticallydials an emergency number to summon assistance. In the event of a powerfailure, a power inverter 60 provides an electrical supply for the alarm58.

[0035] Other objects, features and advantages of the present inventionwill be apparent to those skilled in the art. While preferredembodiments of the present invention have been illustrated anddescribed, this has been by way of illustration and the invention shouldnot be limited except as required by the scope of the appended claimsand their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. An atomization system for odor control in alivestock storage facility, including: a reservoir capable of holding asufficient quantity of an odor control product, wherein the odor controlproduct includes a mixture of a vegetable oil, a natural acidiccompound, alcohol, and water; a pump in communication with thereservoir; a circulation loop running throughout the livestock storagefacility and communicating with the pump and the reservoir; and aplurality of atomization nozzles connected with the circulation loop fordistribution of the odor control product onto surfaces of the storagefacility and the livestock.
 2. An atomization system for odor control ina livestock storage facility as set forth in claim 1, wherein thevegetable oil in the odor control product is corn oil.
 3. An atomizationsystem for odor control in a livestock storage facility as set forth inclaim 1, wherein the natural acidic compound in the odor control productis vinegar.
 4. An atomization system for odor control in a livestockstorage facility as set forth in claim 1, wherein the natural acidiccompound in the odor control product is concentrated citrus juice.
 5. Anatomization system for odor control in a livestock storage facility asset forth in claim 4, wherein the concentrated citrus juice is lemonjuice.
 6. An atomization system for odor control in a livestock storagefacility as set forth in claim 1, wherein the water in the odor controlproduct is distilled water.
 7. An atomization system for odor control ina livestock storage facility as set forth in claim 1, wherein thealcohol in the odor control product is ethanol alcohol.
 8. Anatomization system for odor control in a livestock storage facility asset forth in claim 1, wherein the odor control product is filtered toremove particles larger than approximately one micron in size.
 9. Anatomization system for odor control in a livestock storage facility asset forth in claim 1, wherein the atomization nozzles are connected withthe circulation loop in a pattern in which the nozzles are spacedapproximately ten feet from one another.
 10. An atomization system forodor control in a livestock storage facility as set forth in claim 1,further including a connecting line connecting the pump with thereservoir and means for detecting flow of the odor control product fromthe reservoir to the pump through the connecting line.
 11. Anatomization system for odor control in a livestock storage facility asset forth in claim 10, wherein the means for detecting flow of the odorcontrol product is a flow sensor associated with the connecting line.12. An atomization system for odor control in a livestock storagefacility as set forth in claim 10, wherein the means for detecting flowof the odor control product is a level sensor located in the reservoir.13. An atomization system for odor control in a livestock storagefacility as set forth in claim 1, wherein the pump is capable ofproducing pressures between approximately 180 psi and approximately 250psi.
 14. An atomization system for odor control in a livestock storagefacility as set forth in claim 1, wherein the circulation loop isconstructed from plastic pipe and an electrostatic charge is induced onparticles of the odor control product.
 15. An atomization system forodor control in a livestock storage facility as set forth in claim 14,wherein the plastic pipe is a Schedule 80 PVC pipe.
 16. An atomizationsystem for odor control in a livestock storage facility as set forth inclaim 1, further including: a bypass loop having: a ball valve insertedinto the circulation loop prior to a connection between the circulationloop and the reservoir; a bypass line connected with a first area of thecirculation loop prior to the ball valve and extending to a second areaof the circulation loop near the connection of the circulation loop withthe pump; a check valve in the bypass line; and wherein the ball valveis closed to separate the circulation loop from the reservoir.
 17. Anatomization system for odor control in a livestock storage facility asset forth in claim 1, further including a controller having a timer anda plurality of relays, whereby the operation of the atomization systemis automatically controlled.
 18. An atomization system for controllingthe environment in a livestock storage facility, including: a reservoircapable of holding a sufficient quantity of an odor control product,wherein the odor control product includes a mixture of a vegetable oil,a natural acidic compound, alcohol, and water; a pump in communicationwith the reservoir; a connecting line connecting the pump with thereservoir; a circulation loop running throughout the livestock storagefacility and communicating with the pump and the reservoir; a pluralityof atomization nozzles connected with the circulation loop fordistribution of the odor control product onto surfaces of the storagefacility and the livestock; a bypass loop having: a ball valve insertedinto the circulation loop prior to a connection between the circulationloop and the reservoir; a bypass line connected with a first area of thecirculation loop prior to the ball valve and extending to a second areaof the circulation loop near the connection of the circulation loop withthe pump; a check valve in the bypass line; and wherein the ball valveis closed to separate the circulation loop from the reservoir; a waterpump connected with the circulation loop; and a water supply lineconnected with the water pump.
 19. An atomization system for controllingthe environment in a livestock storage facility as set forth in claim18, further including: a plurality of fans throughout the livestockstorage facility; a control unit in communication with the fans and thewater pump, wherein the control unit cycles the fans and water pump onand off to control the temperature in the livestock storage facility.20. An atomization system for controlling the environment in a livestockstorage facility as set forth in claim 19, further including means formeasuring the temperature and humidity in the livestock storagefacility, said means for measuring communicating with the control unit,wherein the control unit cycles the fans and water pump on and off as afunction of the temperature and humidity in the livestock storagefacility.
 21. An odor control product suitable for atomizing on surfacesof a livestock storage facility, including a mixture of a vegetable oil,a natural acidic compound, alcohol, and water.
 22. An odor controlproduct suitable for atomizing on surfaces of a livestock storagefacility as set forth in claim 21, wherein the vegetable oil is cornoil.
 23. An odor control product suitable for atomizing on surfaces of alivestock storage facility as set forth in claim 21, wherein the naturalacidic compound is vinegar.
 24. An odor control product suitable foratomizing on surfaces of a livestock storage facility as set forth inclaim 21, wherein the natural acidic compound is concentrated citrusjuice.
 25. An odor control product suitable for atomizing on thesurfaces of a livestock storage facility as set forth in claim 24,wherein the concentrated citrus juice is lemon juice.
 26. An odorcontrol product suitable for atomizing on the surfaces of a livestockstorage facility as set forth in claim 21, wherein the water isdistilled water.
 27. An odor control product suitable for atomizing onthe surfaces of a livestock storage facility as set forth in claim 21,wherein the odor control product is filtered after blending to removeparticles larger than approximately one micron in size.
 28. A methodcontrolling the environment in a livestock storage facility, includingthe steps of: blending an odor control product from a mixture of avegetable oil, a natural acidic compound, alcohol, and water; providinga supply of the odor control product; pumping the odor control productthrough a circulation loop running through the livestock storagefacility; and atomizing the odor control product through a plurality ofatomization nozzles connected with the circulation loop onto livestockand surface areas in the storage facility.
 29. A method of controllingthe environment in a livestock storage facility as set forth in claim28, wherein the step of blending the odor control product includes usingcorn oil as the vegetable oil.
 30. A method of controlling theenvironment in a livestock storage facility as set forth in claim 28,wherein the step of blending the odor control product includes using aconcentrated citrus juice as the natural acidic compound.
 31. A methodof controlling the environment in a livestock storage facility as setforth in claim 30, wherein the step of blending the odor control productincludes using lemon juice as the concentrated citrus juice.
 32. Amethod of controlling the environment in a livestock storage facility asset forth in claim 28, wherein the step of blending the odor controlproduct includes using distilled water.
 33. A method of controlling theenvironment in a livestock storage facility as set forth in claim 28,further including the step of filtering the odor control product toremove particles larger than approximately one micron in size.
 34. Amethod of controlling the environment in a livestock storage facility asset forth in claim 28, wherein the step of pumping the odor controlproduct includes pumping the product through the circulation loop at apressure between approximately 180 psi and approximately 250 psi.
 35. Amethod of controlling the environment in a livestock storage facility asset forth in claim 34, further including the step of inducing anelectrostatic charge on atomized particles of the odor control product.